English Costume

""English Costume: From Prehistoric Times To The End Of The Eighteenth Century"" by George Clinch is a comprehensive study of the evolution of English clothing and fashion over a period of several centuries. The book begins with a discussion of prehistoric clothing, including the use of animal hides and the development of weaving and spinning techniques. It then moves on to examine the clothing styles of the ancient Britons, the Romans, and the Anglo-Saxons.The bulk of the book is devoted to the Middle Ages, with detailed descriptions of the clothing worn by various social classes, including knights, monks, and peasants. The author also explores the influence of foreign fashion trends, such as the French courtly style, on English clothing during this period.The book continues with an in-depth examination of Tudor and Elizabethan fashion, including the iconic ruffs and farthingales worn by the wealthy. The author also discusses the role of clothing in social status and the sumptuary laws that regulated what people could wear based on their rank and income.The final section of the book covers the 17th and 18th centuries, including the rise of the wig and the influence of French fashion on English clothing. The author also explores the impact of the Industrial Revolution on clothing production and the emergence of new materials and styles.Overall, ""English Costume"" is a fascinating and detailed exploration of the history of clothing and fashion in England, providing a valuable resource for historians, fashion designers, and anyone interested in the evolution of style and culture.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.